Periwinkle Place is Sanibel’s Hub for Island Shopping and Dining

Sanibel is not the place for mega malls and the largest shopping center on this beautiful island is Periwinkle Place. It has just 26 businesses, shops, and restaurants yet remains in keeping with the Island. Shops are set in a 7-acre park-like setting of shady Banyan trees, covered walkways, and attractive water features.

Photo credit Jennifer Brinkman

This beautiful shopping area is a delight to visit, perhaps by bicycle, as that is the main mode of transport on this flat barrier island. Located on Periwinkle Way between Casa Ybel Road and The Island Cow, Periwinkle Place shops are open Monday to Saturday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Sunday from 12 noon to 6 p.m. Restaurants and cafes are open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily.

Periwinkle Place was voted the top shopping center on Sanibel Island by Lee County Convention Bureau, but it has a lot more to offer than just shops.

Photo credit Mary Carol Fitzgerald

Shops at Periwinkle Place

You’ll find a host of gift items, jewelry, and beachwear in the shops at Periwinkle Place. It is the site of the original Chico’s store along with Trader Rick’s, Simply Boutique, Island Pursuit, and Fresh Produce Sportswear among other top stores.

Whether you are looking for designer beachwear or casual Florida separates, you’ll find plenty of original clothing for men, women, and children. For beachwear, take a peek at the selection at Everything But Water, Butterfly Beach, and Beachwear & T-shirts. You’ll be spoiled for choice with matching accessories and beach-themed gifts from FantaSea, Magnolia, and Cargo Trading Co. but if you want a truly local souvenir, pop into Naples Soap Company or Sanibel Olive Oil for beautiful and affordable gifts.

Congress Jewelers offers a range of sea-themed jewelry featuring diamonds, gems, and precious metals. Complete your casual Sanibel look with a visit to Sanibel Sunglass Co., which offers a fabulous range of branded shades along with five star service.

Children are well catered for at Toys Ahoy and cute kids apparel is available from Tiki Jim’s, Paradise Boutique, and Peach Republic.

Dining at Periwinkle Place

The Blue Giraffe Restaurant is a Sanibel institution, offering breakfast, lunch, and dinner with imaginative flair at Periwinkle Place. It consistently picks up prizes such as Taste of the Islands awards for “Best Appetizer” and “Best Seafood” as well as “Best Breakfast” and “Best Lunch”. For takeaway foods and gourmet gifts, the Sand Castle has plenty to tempt you while Sanibel Olive Oil offers niche product lines for quality olive oils, vinegars, stuffed olives, and tempting hors d’oeuvres.

Photo credit Jennifer Brinkman

Other Periwinkle Place Attractions on Sanibel

Your skin may thank you for a visit to Sanibel Day Spa after a few days of sun and dehydration on the beach. This full service salon and spa offers massages and a range of top-to-toe beauty treatments.

Photo credit Nita Ettinger

Periwinkle Place is far more than a strip mall; it is a delightful destination in its own right. You’ll find a children’s play area, beautiful tropical flowers in well-tended gardens, and shady seats overlooking cool fountains. Why not drop in and see what catches your eye as you stroll along the shady footpaths. There’s sure to be something to delight you and enhance your stay on Sanibel Island in Southwest Florida.

Gillian Birch is a freelance travel writer and, whenever possible between trips, she enjoys life in Florida. As the wife of a Master Mariner, she has traveled extensively and lived in some exotic locations all over the world, including the Far East and the Republic of Panama. Describing herself as having "endless itchy feet and an insatiable wanderlust", she continues to explore Florida and further afield, writing about her experiences with wonderful clarity and attention to detail. With a diploma in Journalism from the BCJ, she has published several travel books and ebooks, all available on Amazon under her name. Formerly the Florida Editor for BellaOnline from 2011-13, Gillian is an active member of the International Travel Writers' Alliance and the Gulf Coast Writers' Association, and an enthusiastic guest blogger for MustDo.com Visitor Guides. Learn more about her writing as YourTravelGirl at: www.gillianbirch.com and follow her blog around the world at https://gillianbirch.wordpress.com/